2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl.
2. Mix the Rub: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Smoke the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts directly on the smoker grates and smoke for 1.5-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Optional Finishing Step: For a crispier skin, you can briefly sear the chicken breasts over direct heat on a grill for 1-2 minutes per side after smoking.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the smoker, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for a more flavorful result, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
For extra smokiness, try adding a few wood chips to your smoker, such as hickory, apple, or cherry.
Serve the smoked chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce or side dishes.
Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe for smoked sweet and spicy chicken!